Nicușor Dan meets with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in Brussels. The President takes part in the European Council meeting and the Euro Summit in extended format
On Thursday, President Nicușor Dan will have a meeting with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Mark Rutte, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. The head of state takes part in the European Council meeting and the Euro Summit in extended format.
The discussion agenda includes security developments in the international environment and those on the Eastern Flank, with an emphasis on the Black Sea region, a context in which measures to strengthen deterrence and collective defense will be addressed, as well as to increase Romania's security through and with the support of NATO, according to the Presidential Administration.
President Nicușor Dan will highlight the importance of the transatlantic relationship, reconfirming the role of our country as an ally strongly involved in regional stability and security, the quoted source said.
Nicusor Dan will also emphasize that Romania respects the commitments made at the NATO Summit in The Hague regarding the increase in defense spending and will highlight the multidimensional assistance for Ukraine.
Likewise, the Romanian head of state will remind the need to strengthen NATO's support for partners, especially the Republic of Moldova, targeted by Russia's hybrid actions.
The two officials will later hold a joint press conference.
President Nicușor Dan participates in the European Council
We remind you that President Nicușor Dan is in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where he will take part in the European Council meeting and the extended Euro Summit, the Presidential Administration announces.
The meeting agenda is dominated by major themes for the European Union, related to current global challenges: economic competitiveness, the tense situation in the Middle East, support for Ukraine, the future European budget and the strengthening of security and defense at the EU level.
European leaders will also have an exchange of views with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on geopolitical developments and the future of multilateralism.
Economic competitiveness, the main priority
The central theme of the meeting is increasing the economic competitiveness of the Union and strengthening the single market. Member States will discuss concrete ways to implement previously agreed conclusions, with a focus on clear deadlines and actionable measures.
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For Romania, a priority is the identification of quick solutions to reduce high energy prices, which affect both the population and the industry. The Presidential Administration emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy based on energy interconnectivity and the exploitation of indigenous clean energy resources. Bucharest supports the diversification of partnerships and the avoidance of dependencies that can affect the economic security of the EU.
The Middle East and the impact on the energy market
The situation in the Middle East and its effects on energy prices will feature prominently in the discussions. European leaders will discuss ways in which the EU can contribute to reducing tensions and stabilizing the region.
President Nicușor Dan will emphasize the need to protect European citizens, including Romanians in the area, as well as the importance of limiting the impact of the conflict on the global economy, inflation, energy prices and trade flows. The situation in Gaza will also be addressed.
Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia
Another major item on the agenda is continued support for Ukraine. European leaders will discuss the possibilities of unlocking the first tranche of the 90 billion euro financial package approved in December 2025.
According to the Presidential Administration, Nicușor Dan will plead for maintaining the pressure on Russia through sanctions, considering their visible effects.
Security, defense and the Eastern Flank
On security and defence, the talks will focus on more effective coordination of investment in the European defense industry and improving military mobility. Romania strongly supports the projects that strengthen security on the Eastern Flank, in complementarity with NATO, considering these measures essential to protect European citizens.
EU budget 2028–2034
Regarding the future Multiannual Financial Framework, President Nicușor Dan i will insist on the need for adequate funding to achieve European and national objectives, especially in the field of economic competitiveness.
